By ANNIE RITCHIE / November 6, 2022
The first step in preparing your site for camping is to choose the right location. When you’re picking a campsite, make sure to consider the following:
Believe it or not, one of the most important things you need for a successful camping trip is a good hatchet. No, we’re not joking. A hatchet can be used for everything from chopping wood for a fire, to setting up your tent. And if you find the perfect spot but you would love a bit more space, a hatchet is a godsend.
Whether you’re looking to cool off with a dip in the lake or filter some water for drinking, you’re going to want to be in close proximity to a water source.
If you’re planning on making a fire, you’re going to need wood. Make sure there is plenty of wood around so you don’t have to go too far to find it.
Very important. Please check carefully as restrictions are in place for a reason.
Is it rocky or sandy? And is it level?
Nothing is worse than trying to set up your tent on a slope. Not only is it difficult, but it’s also uncomfortable. Look for a spot that has level ground so you can get a good night’s sleep.
Unless you’re looking for social interaction, find a spot that offers some privacy from your neighbors. This will allow you to enjoy the peace and quiet of nature without interruption.
Find a spot that has some shade. This will give you a place to relax and escape the heat during the day.
This one isn’t essential, but it can be nice to have in case of an emergency.
Before you set up camp, take a walk around the area and clear away any debris that might be in your way. Be sure to remove any sticks or stones that could puncture your tent floor, and make sure there are no low-hanging branches overhead that could snag or tear your tent fabric.
If the spot is in need of serious clearing, grab a hatchet to help you clear branches and bush. It’s a good idea to clear a large enough area around your tent that you have a place to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
If you’re planning on having a fire, make sure to clear away any dead leaves or branches that could catch fire. The last thing you want is for your campsite to go up in flames!
You may choose to cook on an open fire or even on gas if you prefer that option. You should place your gas stove on a stable surface, away from anything flammable. If you are planning an open fire, use your hatchet to chop the wood into pieces that are small enough to fit into your fire pit. If you don’t have a fire pit, simply clear away a circle of dirt that’s about two feet in diameter. Your hatchet can also be used to create shavings for tinder.
It’s useful to have a dedicated food prep area. It’s worth thinking this through as trying to prepare food with cutting boards balancing on your knees (or on the campsite floor) is very difficult. A camp kitchen is a far better option. Once your food is prepared and the meal is over, you can wash your camping dishes with ease.
Make sure to leave yourself enough room to comfortably move around.
Tent Pitching: Start by carefully driving each stake into the ground at roughly equal intervals around the perimeter of your cleared area. Your hatchet can come in handy here as you can use the head of the hatchet to help drive in your tent stakes.
Then, start attaching your tent fabric to the stakes, being careful to stretch it taut so there are no wrinkles or sags. Once all four corners are staked down with tent stakes, guy lines can be attached if necessary for extra stability in windy conditions.
Hammock: The first step is to find two trees that are the right distance apart. You want the trees to be close enough so that the hammock can be stretched tight, but not so close that they rub together. Use your hatchet to lob away any little branches that might snag or tear your hammock fabric. Once you’ve found the perfect spot, secure one end of the hammock to one tree with a strap or rope. Then do the same with the other end of the hammock and the second tree. If you’re using a rope, make sure to tie a knot that won’t slip.